Meet Jasmyne

Jasmyne entered foster care at the tender age of just two years old and found her “forever home” at age five. On Jasmyne’s 18th birthday, she was evicted from her home, greeted by boxes on her bed containing her birth certificate and social security card. Confused and unprepared for adulthood, Jasmyne found solace with Casa de Amparo’s New Directions program. 

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Jasmyne enrolled in school, learned basic finance skills and how to balance a checkbook, and, experiencing structured freedom, Jasmyne finally felt seen, heard, and nurtured. It was a revelation for her after 13 years of residing with the same family that she finally felt like a real person allowed to show true emotions, “and I felt cared for enough to try to do better and be better,” she adds. 

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Reflecting on her past, Jasmyne often thinks of how different her life might have been without Casa de Amparo’s intervention. The program provided stability and a roadmap—she had two years to save, complete education or secure employment, and strategize for the future. Those two years were transformative, shaping her into the success she is today. 

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Jasmyne is now married with a family and a nearly paid-off home, and a fulfilling career in social work at a rape crisis center. She serves on two Board of Directors. She says her life has blossomed beyond her expectations. She says, “I have been able to do so much with my life and I have so much to be proud of and to be thankful for.” 

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“When I had to leave the only home I knew, I felt like I had nothing and like I was nothing. I felt unlovable and despite trying so hard I felt I would never be good enough,” said Jasmyne. “But now, my life is brimmed with purpose and gratitude. I want to say thank you to Casa de Amparo. I was lucky to be accepted into New Directions. The work you do matters and means so much.”